The rosary is "the synthesis of the history of God's mercy", Pope Francis said at the Vigil of the Marian Jubilee on Saturday (full text, full video).

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco has been elected president of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE) and Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki as vice-presidents.

Cardinal Philippe Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou has permitted the baptism of babies born out of wedlock in a Year of Mercy gesture (French report).

John Allen and Rocco Palmo comment on the 17 new cardinals.

David Agren explains why Mexico's "religious right is rising as a political force".

Josephine McKenna profiles papal almoner Archbishop Konrad Krajewski.

And Lyn Mettler explores a lesser-known pilgrim route to Rome.

Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.